Bereavement And Death In The Workplace
At this point in time people, families, communities and whole societies are facing a level of change and loss that is unprecedented in modern times. There is a significant and collective loss of normal life, as well as a pervasive and understandable anxiety surrounding the threat of illness and bereavement, none of which people have had time to prepare for. As such, it is now more important than ever to pull together in providing supportive spaces for one another, finding new ways to maintain social connection and being proactive about meeting each other’s needs, including mental health and wellbeing needs. It is encouraging to remember that the most likely outcome from such a time of adversity is recovery, with even the potential for personal growth, resilience and improved connectedness with one another.
Workplaces have an important role within all of this, and now is the right time to ensure that you are as prepared as you can possibly be to respond helpfully and supportively to loss. Whilst the following information covers loss relating to bereavement, it is important to remember that any kind of change or loss leads to an experience of grief. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to such changes, and we should recognise that everyone will be responding to their circumstances with a wide range of emotions, reactions and behaviours, often at different times to one another. It can be reassuring for people to know that what they are experiencing is natural, and that they are part of a workplace where they are able to express their experiences openly without fear of being judged, shamed or labelled as ‘weak’.
Workplaces have an important role within all of this, and now is the right time to ensure that you are as prepared as you can possibly be to respond helpfully and supportively to loss. Whilst the following information covers loss relating to bereavement, it is important to remember that any kind of change or loss leads to an experience of grief. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to such changes, and we should recognise that everyone will be responding to their circumstances with a wide range of emotions, reactions and behaviours, often at different times to one another. It can be reassuring for people to know that what they are experiencing is natural, and that they are part of a workplace where they are able to express their experiences openly without fear of being judged, shamed or labelled as ‘weak’.
As the Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief network explains:
“We never know when someone close to us might die. And because individuals don't know, organisations don't know when a death may affect one of their staff. It is best to be prepared.”
“We never know when someone close to us might die. And because individuals don't know, organisations don't know when a death may affect one of their staff. It is best to be prepared.”
Therefore, we hope that the information and links to some fantastic existing resources provided here can support you to give the best response possible with regards to death and grief, for the benefit of everyone in your workplace.
